The 25-year-old actress starred with the blonde beauty in 'Country Strong' and says the experience made her an even bigger fan of the Oscar-winning star than she had previously been.

She said: "I've always loved her. I've always looked up to her and I loved working with her.

"She's a real pro. It was zero degrees outside and she was like, 'Whatever. It's fine.'

"She's down-to-earth and has a great sense of humour. She's a real girl - beautiful and a great singer and actress. Actually, maybe I hate her!"

As well as admiring Gwyneth, Leighton is also a life-long fan of Whitney Houston and has loved her music since she was a little girl.

She added: "When I was growing up, I was in a grocery store with my dad one time and I think Whitney Houston was playing. I must've been four and I said, 'This gives my back tingles.'My dad turned to me and said, 'That's what music is supposed to do.'"